ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq:EMKR), a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber optics and solar power markets, announced today that it has commenced volume production of its micro-ITLA (micro-Integrable Tunable Laser Assembly) and is ramping output to meet demand.

The EMCORE micro-ITLA has already been designed into several key customer platforms and is currently operating in multiple field trials. To date, more than 400 samples have been shipped and customer feedback has been very positive.

"We are extremely pleased that the micro-ITLA has been designed into several key customer platforms since we began sampling customers with the product in 2012," commented Christopher Larocca, Chief Operating Officer for EMCORE.  "By leveraging our leading-edge ITLA technology and in-house semiconductor design and manufacturing expertise, the micro-ITLA provides customers with a highly-differentiated tunable laser solution for demanding high-performance telecom applications."

The micro-ITLA is based on EMCORE's Clearlight External Cavity Laser (ECL) technology. EMCORE's ECL is the most widely-deployed tunable laser source for high-speed 40 and 100 gigabit per second coherent systems due to its ultra-narrow linewidth, low noise and superior frequency accuracy.  The micro-ITLA integrates this proprietary ECL technology into a miniaturized form-factor that is three times smaller and consumes over one watt less power than previous generation ITLA's. The micro-ITLA allows tuning to any grid and frequency and has a 15 dBm high-output power option, plus advanced features including in-operation frequency fine tune of ±6 GHz, and in-operation power adjust of 6 dB. The micro-ITLA is fully compliant with the OIF (Optical Internetworking Forum) Implementation Agreement (IA) and allows full control and monitoring.

"Leveraging the benefits of EMCORE's industry-leading ITLA in an ultra-small form-factor represents a dramatic next step in tunable laser technology," said Jaime Reloj, Vice President of Business Development for EMCORE. "The smaller form-factor and reduced power consumption enables our customers to design higher densities, at lower cost with improved performance into their 40, 100 and 400 gigabit coherent systems."

The EMCORE micro-ITLA is fully C-Band tunable and EMCORE plans to make available L-Band tunability in the same form-factor later in 2013. Other advanced features such as ultra-low power dissipation options and ultra-high output power will become available in the same time frame.

EMCORE will be exhibiting and meeting with customers and industry analysts at the 2013 Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition at the Anaheim Convention Center, March 19-21, in booth #3411.

About EMCORE

EMCORE Corporation offers a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor-based products for the fiber optics and solar power markets. EMCORE's Fiber Optics business segment provides optical components, subsystems and systems for high-speed telecommunications, Cable Television (CATV) and Fiber-To-The-Premise (FTTP) networks, as well as products for satellite communications, video transport and specialty photonics technologies for defense and homeland security applications. EMCORE's Solar Photovoltaics business segment provides products for space power applications including high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells, Coverglass Interconnected Cells (CICs) and complete satellite solar panels. For further information about EMCORE, visit http://www.emcore.com.

Forward-looking statements:

The information provided herein may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include statements regarding EMCORE's expectations, goals or intentions, including, but not limited to, financial performance, production schedules, expected customer sales, product features and their benefits, product quality and product performance. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about EMCORE and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause EMCORE's actual results to differ from those set forth in any forward-looking statement are discussed in more detail in EMCORE's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and EMCORE undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: EMCORE Corporation

         Jaime Reloj

         Vice President, Business Development

         (510) 896-2126

         jaime_reloj@emcore.com

         

         Investor

         TTC Group

         Victor Allgeier

         (646) 290-6400

         vic@ttcominc.com